e gateway to your dream holiday!

AT this time of year, with the rain lashing against the windows, a chill in the air and the evenings drawing to a close before teatime, it’s easy to find ourselves dreaming of warmer, brighter and longer summer days! Of course, dreaming of the summertime invariably brings the opportunity to start planning a summer holiday. But where to go?

This summer, look no further than Cork Airport! With international air travel now back in full flow, Cork Airport offers an abundance of choice with routes to some fantastic destinations across the UK and Europe.

Last December, Ryanair, the largest airline operating at Cork Airport announced their 2023 Summer Schedule which included five new summer routes and increased frequencies on no less than eleven existing routes.

With new destinations such as Seville, La Rochelle, Rome and Venice now available from Cork Airport, we’ve put together some destination inspiration to help you in planning your summer holiday.

Rome, Italy

‘All roads lead to Rome’ and it’s quite easy to see why! The Italian capital city does not need an introduction. Visit the Colosseum, the awesome ancient amphitheatre which is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome and attracts more than seven million visitors annually.

Explore the Roman Forum, formerly a marketplace, civic centre and religious complex and learn about the history of the city and the Roman Empire. Discover the 2,000-year-old Pantheon, a fine example of Ancient Roman architecture. Once a temple, the building is now a working church with masses celebrated each weekend.

Check out the Trevi Fountain where according to legend, if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will return to Rome. Throw two coins and it is said you will fall in love with an attractive Italian!

Tucked away in the centre of this historic European capital is Vatican City, a sovereign state in its own right. Visit St. Peter’s Square, the Sistine Chapel, or the Vatican Museums, which are home to some of the most important works of art in the world. Take a tour of the Galleria Borghese, a museum which is home to works of art dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries, including works by artists such as Caravaggio and Raphael or browse the food stalls at the Campo de’ Fiori market. This market is a great place to buy fresh produce, souvenirs, and other local goods.

‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ and sample the local cuisine. Rome is known for its delicious food, and the city is dotted with many great restaurants and cafés where you can try local specialities such as pasta alla carbonara, cacio e pepe or tiramisu. Ryanair fly direct from Cork to Rome. Book now on ryanair. com.

Seville, Spain

Seville, capital of the famed Andalusia region of Spain, is a city full of vigour and adventure. It’s a city where you can explore the famous Plaza de España, the world-famous Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic cathedral in the world and burial place of Christopher Columbus. The Real Alcazár, a royal palace complex that featured in the popular TV series, Game of Thrones is a very popular attraction in this southern Spanish city.

Aside from sightseeing, there is plenty of shopping, nightlife and entertainment to be found in Seville. The popular areas of Plaza de Salvador, Calle Betis and Alameda de Hércules are home

Seville, Spain Venice, Italy

some of the city’s finest bars and tapas restaurants – and some of the best food that can be found in the country.

The world-famous flamenco dancing can trace its origins to the Andalusia region and if you seek to experience that unique, authentic slice of Spanish culture, you won’t be disappointed.

Aside from Seville itself, it is a great location to explore some of interesting cities and towns located nearby. Jerez de la Frontera is a city located to the south of Seville, in the province of Cadiz.

It is known for its production of sherry, and it is home to several bodegas (wineries) where you can tour the facilities and taste the local produce.

Cadiz, an ancient port city located to the south of Seville, on the Atlantic coast is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Other cities and towns located in the vicinity of Seville include Huelva, Malaga, Granada, and Cordoba. All these are easily accessible from Seville by car or public transportation.

Ryanair will fly direct from Cork to Seville this summer (commencing June 2023). Book now on ryanair.com.

Venice, Italy

Venice, one of the world’s most unique and famous cities is known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The city is made up of over 100 small islands criss-crossed by a network of canals which provide a unique and picturesque way of getting around.

Take a gondola ride through the canals, which offers a great way to see the city from an entirely different perspective. It is a bonus if the gondolier serenades you with a ‘barcarolle’ – a form of traditional folk song, popular in the Veneto region.

Venice is home to a number of interesting landmarks and cultural attractions, including the Basilica di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale, and the Gallerie dell’Accademia.

These buildings are fine examples of the city’s rich architectural heritage. If art and history are your passion, they are well worth a visit.

Stroll through the Rialto Market, a bustling commercial scene which is a great place to see the fresh produce and local seafood that form the basis for many popular regional dishes such as sarde in saor (sweet and sour marinated sardines) or baccala mantecato (whipped salted cod).

Take a tour of the Murano Glass Museum, which is located on the nearby island of Murano, and is a great place to learn about the history and techniques of glassmaking in Venice down through the centuries.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, culture, or just soaking up the atmosphere of this unique and beautiful city, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during a visit to Venice.

Ryanair fly direct from Cork to Venice. Book now on ryanair.com.

La Rochelle, France

La Rochelle, located on the south-west coast of France, in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is another new destination served by Ryanair this summer. Known for its beautiful old port, which is lined with seafood restaurants and colourful houses, the city is fronted by an expansive marina, with moorings for over 1,000 vessels. The city has a rich history and a vibrant culture, with many cultural events and festivals taking place throughout the year.

An immensely popular tourist destination, La Rochelle is home to a number of interesting landmarks and attractions. These include the Aquarium La Rochelle, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, and the Musée Maritime and the iconic Tour de la Lanterne, a 15th century lighthouse towering above the city harbour. The city is also home to several beautiful beaches, making it a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

La Rochelle has a mild, coastal climate, with average summer temperatures in the mid-20’s.

The city is known for its seafood, which is fresh and abundant given its location on the Atlantic Coast. Some of the local specialties you may want to try while you’re in La Rochelle include moules-frites (mussels and fries), chaudrée de palourdes (clam chowder) or beignets de calamars (squid fritters) which are a popular snack in La Rochelle and can be found at many of the city’s markets and fairs.

Ryanair will fly direct from Cork to La Rochelle this summer (commencing June 2023). Book now on ryanair.com.